Police: UI gymnast springs over railing to evade police

Police say a member of the University of Iowa men's gymnastics team sprung over a railing in an attempt to evade police Saturday night in downtown Iowa City.

Emmanuel Monroy, a 20-year-old sophomore, allegedly refused to produce identification during a police bar check just before midnight at DC's, 124 S. Dubuque St. Police say Monroy had to be physically escorted by the wrist out of the bar, where ignored commands by an officer to sit down.

While an officer was dealing with a second person outside the bar, Monroy allegedly jumped over a railing and took off running. An officer received abrasions to his knee and elbow when he jumped the railing attempting to chase Monroy.

Police say Monroy was identified by another defendant, who is also a member of the gymnastics team, and by photos found online. He was later arrested.

Monroy, of Plano, Texas, is charged with interference with official acts — bodily injury, an aggravated misdemeanor. He was also charged with possession of alcohol under the legal age and being underage while in a bar after 10 p.m.

Monroy was booked Tuesday morning at the Johnson County Jail, where was was being held on $5,000 bond.

A second gymnastics team member, Andrew Botto, 18, was charged at DC's Saturday night. Botto was cited for public intoxication, possession of a fictitious ID, possession of alcohol under the legal age and being underage while in a bar after 10 p.m.

"I was disappointed to learn of the events that occurred over the weekend. I am in the process of gathering all the facts of the situation. All involved will be held to our student-athlete Code of Conduct and our team rules."